Gaming machine and gaming method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine is provided with a plurality of display windows. The display windows include at least one first display window and a plurality of second display windows, A mechanical reel is arranged behind the first display window. The first display window is changeable from a displaying condition to a transmissive condition. A determination of whether the first display window should be changed from the displaying condition to the transmissive condition is carried out while using tables for winning combinations and a random number sampled by a central processing unit. Consequently, the gaming machine can provide an effective representation of a symbol combination including video symbols statically displayed on the second display windows and either one symbol on the reel statically displayed through the first display window in the transmissive condition or one video symbol statically displayed on the first display window in the displaying condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-262137, filed on Sep. 9,2005; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can produce agame while using symbols on a display and a gaming method for the abovegaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

A gaming machine, such as conventional slot machines, is equipped with aplurality of reels rotated mechanically. After the rotation of thereels, if a combination of symbols displayed on the reels in a staticcondition corresponds to any one of predetermined winning combinations,a payout is made to a player with coins (or the likes) corresponding tothe relevant in combination. Such a gaming machine is disclosed inJapanese Patent Publication Laid-open 2003-284809.

In recent years, there is also proposed a slot machine that can providerespective symbols constituting a symbol combination in the form ofimages on variable/static display. This slot machine is equipped withso-called “video reels” that can display symbol images variably andstatically. Just for reference, the above-mentioned reels mechanicallyrotated will be referred to as “mechanical reels”, herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In both the slot machines mentioned above, however, the display of asymbol combination is accomplished by either mechanical reels or videoreels, alternatively. In these slot machines, since a representation invariably/ically displaying a symbol combination is uniform, it is notenough to arouse a player's passion for gambling.

Under the abovementioned circumstance, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a gaming machine that can display a symbolcombination so as to work up a player's sense of anticipation for wingby using one or more mechanical reels in combination with video reels ina superposed manner.

In order to attain the above object, according to a first aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: adisplay unit having at least one first display window and a plurality ofsecond display windows, the first display window capable of beingtransmissive, the first and the second display windows capable ofdisplaying respective video symbols thereon variably and statically; atleast one reel arranged behind the first display window, the reel havinga plurality of symbols formed on a circumference of the reel; and aprocessor in communication with the display unit and the reel, theprocessor operable to: (a) select a plurality of symbols to be displayedas a gaming result by a lottery; (b) determine whether or not to changethe first window from the displaying condition to the transmissivecondition based on a combination of the selected symbols; (c) displaythe gaming result by variably and statically displaying on the firstdisplay window and the second display windows, if the first displaywindow is in a displaying condition; (d) display the gaming result byvariably and statically displaying on the second display while rotatingand stopping the reel that can be seen through the first display window,if the first display window is in a transmissive condition; and (e)provide an award when the gaming result corresponds to a predeterminedgaming result.

In connection with the gaming machine the above, the processor may beoperable to stop the reel from rotating after displaying the videosymbols statically on the second display.

In the above gaming machine, alternatively, the combination of thesymbols for determining to change the fit window from the displayingcondition to the transmissive condition, may include a combination ofthe symbols for providing a highest award.

In connection with the above modification, the combination of thesymbols for providing the highest award, may have a probability ofdetermining to change the first window from the displaying condition tothe transmissive condition, higher than any other combinations of thesymbols.

That is, the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present inventionutilizes a “mechanical” reel in combination with “video” reels in asuperposed manner in point of: either displaying a plurality of symbolsformed on the mechanical reel through the first display window variablyand statically by the mechanical rotating/stopping of the mechanicalreel or displaying a plurality of video symbols on the ft display windowin the displaying condition variably and statically, and furtherdisplaying a plurality of video symbols on the second display windowsvariably and statically. Based on the symbol combination by a lottery,the gaming machine determines whether the first display window ischanged from the displaying condition to the transmissive condition.Further, the gaming machine displays the symbol combination includingthe video symbols statically displayed on the second display windows andeither one symbol on the reel statically displayed through the firstdisplay window in the transmissive condition or one video symbolstatically displayed on the first display window in the displaycondition. Depending on the presence/absence of the first display windowthrough which the reel can (or cannot) be seen, therefore, it ispossible to enhance a player's sense of anticipation for winning.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is alsoprovided a gaming method for a gaming machine including a display unithaving at least one first display window and a plurality of seconddisplay windows wherein the first display window is capable of beingtransmissive and the first display window and the second display windowsare capable of displaying respective video symbols thereon variably andstatically, and at least one reel arranged behind the first displaywindow wherein the reel has a plurality of symbols formed on acircumference of the reel, the gaming method comprising: selecting aplurality of symbols to be displayed as a gaming result by a lottery;determining whether or not to change the first window from thedisplaying condition to the transmissive condition based on acombination of the selected symbols; displaying the gaming result byvariably and statically displaying on the first display window and thesecond display windows, if the first display window is in a displayingcondition; displaying the gaming result by variably and staticallydisplaying on the second display while rotating and stopping the reelthat can be seen through the first display window, if the first displaywindow is in a transmissive condition; and providing an award when thegaming result corresponds to a predetermined gaming result

Also in the above-mentioned gaming method, it is possible to achieve asimilar effect to the above gaming machine.

These and other objects and features of the preset invention will becomemore rally apparent from the following description and appended claimstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a concept of a gaming machine in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slot machine as the gaming machine inaccordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinally sectional view of a lower liquid crystaldisplay and a reel of the slot machine;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystaldisplay;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machinetypically;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal driving circuittypically;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a symbol column that is variably displayed(with symbols scrolling) on each display window of a lower liquidcrystal display at a game;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a lottery table for symbols on staticdisplay in case of playing a game while using nine display windows;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing winning combinations and their payouts incase of playing a game while using nine display windows;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into a transmissive condition whenwinning a winning combination of “7-7-7” in case of playing a game whileusing nine display windows;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into a transmissive condition whena winning combination of “3BAR-3BAR-3BAR” in case of playing a gamewhile using nine display windows;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into a transmissive condition whenwining a winning combination of “2BAR-2BAR-2BAR” in case of playing agame while using nine display windows;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into a transmissive condition whenwinning a winning combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” in case of playing a gamewhile using nine display windows;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into a transmissive condition whenwinning a winning combination of “cherry-cherry-cherry” in case ofplaying a game while using nine display windows;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into a displaying condition whengetting in a combination of “losing” in case of playing a game whileusing nine display windows;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaining a program of a main process;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart explaining a program of a start acceptanceprocess;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart explaining a program of a lottery process;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart explaining a program of a game process; and

FIG. 20 is a view showing nine display windows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Based on one embodiment where the present invention is embodied in aslot machine, a gaming machine in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. First, we describe a constitution of the slot machine of theembodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and 20.In these figures, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine. FIG.5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machine. FIG.20 is a view showing nine display windows.

In FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 2 forming a whole bodyof the machine 1. Additionally, an upper liquid crystal display 3 isarranged at an upper part of the front surface of the cabinet 2, while alower liquid crystal display 4 is arranged, inside a front panel 20, ona center part of the front surface of the cabinet 2. The upper liquidcrystal display 3 is formed by a popularized liquid crystal display. Onthe other hand, the lower liquid crystal display 4 is formed by atransmissive liquid crystal display. Displayed on the upper liquidcrystal display 3 is game information ta includes a method of gaming,winning combinations and their payouts, various gaming effects and soon. On the lower liquid crystal display 4, there are displayed fiveactivated paylines L at the maximum and nine display windows 22A˜22C,23A˜23C and 24A˜24C. On each of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and24A˜24C, a later-mentioned symbol column 241 (a column of symbols) ofFIG. 7 is variably displayed while scrolling from top to bottom. Adetailed structure of the lower liquid crystal display 4 will bedescribed later.

Below the lower liquid crystal display 4, an operating table 5 isarranged so as to project toward a player's near side. On the operatingtable 5, here are arranged an exchange (singe: CHANGE) button 6, apayout (signage: CASHOUT) button 7 and a help (signage; HELP) button 8,in sequence from a leftmost side of the table 5. Additionally, theoperating table 5 has a coin insertion slot 9 and a bill insertionportion 10 both arranged on the right of the help button 8. On the frontportion of the operating table 5, there are successively arranged a1-BET button 11, a spin (SPIN/REPEAT BET) button 12, a 3-BET button 13and a 5-BET button 14, in order from left.

The exchange button 6 is a button to be pushed down in case ofexchanging a bill (banknote) inserted into the bill insertion portion10. Coins on exchange are paid out into a coin receiving portion 16through a coin payout opening 15. The exchange button 6 is accompaniedby a later-mentioned exchange (CHANGE) switch 62. When the exchangebutton 6 is pushed down, a Etch signal is outputted from the exchangeswitch 62 to a CPU 50 (see FIG. 5).

The payout button 7 is a button to be pushed down by a player when thebase game is finished. Thus, when the payout button 7 is pushed down,coins on a player's acquisition at a game are paid out into the coinreceiving portion 16 through the coin payout opening 15. The payoutbutton 7 is accompanied by a later-mentioned payout (CASHOUT) switch 63.When the payout button 7 is pushed down, a switch signal is outputtedfrom the payout switch 63 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 5).

The help button 8 is a button to be pushed down by a player when theplayer has no idea of a game operating method etc. When the help button8 is pushed down, various help information is displayed on the upperliquid crystal display 3. The help button 8 is accompanied by alater-mentioned help (HELP) switch 64. When the help button 8 is pusheddown, a switch signal is outputted from the help itch 64 to the CPU 50(see FIG. 5).

The coin insertion slot 9 is equipped with a later-described coin sensor65. When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 9, a coindetection signal is outputted to the CPU 50 through the coin sensor 65(see FIG. 5).

The bill iron portion 10 is equipped with a later-described bill sensor66. When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 10, a billdetection signal is outputted to the CPU 50 through the coin sensor 65(see FIG. 5).

The 1-BET button 11 is a button that allows the number of bets (coins)to be increased one by one with respect to each player's pushing down.The 1-BET button 11 is accompanied by a later-mentioned 1-BET switch 59.When the 1-BET button 11 is pushed down by a player, a switch signal isoutputted from the 1-BET switch 59 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 5).

The spin (SPIN/REPEAT BET) button 12 is a button for starting a variabledisplaying of respective symbols in the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23Cand 24A˜24C of the lower liquid crystal display 4. That is, when thespin button 12 is pushed down by a player, the game is started with thepresent number of bets or the previous number of bets. The spin button12 is accompanied by a later-mentioned spin switch 58. When the spinbutton 12 is pushed down, a switch signal is outputted from the spinswitch 58 to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 5). As for the number of bets (betcoins) that a player can bet by pushing down the spin button 12, thereexist 1-bet (i.e. betting with one coin), 2-bet (betting with twocoins), 3-bet betting with three coins), and 5-bet (betting with fivecoins).

The 3-BET button 13 is a button that allows a game with 3-bet to bestarted by pushing down the same button 13. The 3-BET button 13 isaccompanied by a later-mentioned 3-BET switch 60. When the 3-BET button13 is pushed down, a switch signal is outputted from the 3-BET switch 60to the CPU 50 (see FIG. 5).

The 5-BET button 14 is a button that allows a game with 5-bet to bestarted by pushing down the same button 14. The 5-BET button 14 isaccompanied by a later-mentioned 5-BET switch 61. When the S-BET button14 is pushed down, a etch sigal is outputted from the 5-BET switch 61 tothe CPU 50 (see FIG. 5).

In connection with the number of bets attained by operating the 1-BETbutton 11, the spin (SP REPEAT SET) button 12, the 3-BET button 13 andthe 5-BET button 14, there ex various games with 1-bet, 2-bet, 3-bet and5-bet When the number of bets is one, one predetermined line isestablished as the activated pay-line L. Similarly, in case of three inthe number of bets, three predetermined lines are established as theactivated pay-lines L. In case of five in the number of bets, fivepredetermined lines are established as the activated pay-lines L.

The cabinet 2 is provided, in a lower portion thereof, with a coinpayout opening 15 and a coin receiving portion 16 for receiving coinspaid out through the coin payout opening 15. In the coin payout opening15, a later-mentioned coin detecting portion 73, such as a sensor, isranged to detect the number of coins paid out trough the coin payoutopening 15 (see FIG. 5).

Net we explain the detailed structure of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 and a reel rotatably arranged on the backside of the display 4so as to be rotatable in the cabinet 2 with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 and the reel. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of thelower liquid crystal display 4. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower liquidcrystal display 4 is arranged inside a display window portion 210 of thefont panel 20 at a frontal intermediate portion of the cabinet 2 of theslot machine 1. On the backside of the lower liquid crystal display 4(on the left of FIG. 3), one reel 220 is rotatably supported by thecabinet 2. In other words, the lower liquid crystal display 4 ispositioned on the front side of the single reel 220, as shown in FIG. 3.

The reel 220 is opposed to the display window 23A (see FIG. 20) in themiddle of the lower liquid crystal display 4.

Respective structures of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and24A˜24C will be described later.

We now describe the structure of the lower liquid crystal display 4 withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 comprises, in order from the front side of the slot machine 1,a clear panel 30, a reel glass base 31, a bezel metal frame 32, a liquidcrystal panel 33, a liquid crystal holder 34, a diffusion sheet 35, alight guide plate 36, a white reflector 37, a rear holder 38 and anantistatic sheet 39. The diffusion sheet 35 is formed with an opening35A. Similarly, the light guide plate 36, the white reflector 37 and therear holder 38 have an opening 36A, an opening 37A and an opening 38Aformed so as to conform to the opening 35A, respectively. The respectiveopenings 35A˜38A constitute the display window 23A (see FIG. 20) whilebeing overlapped so as to confirm to each other.

Here, the opening 35A of the diffusion sheet 35 and the opening 36A ofthe light guide plate 36 constitute a transmissive area that ensuresvisibility of the display window 23A.

In order to fit the lower liquid crystal display 4 to the display windowportion 210 of the front panel 20, as shown in FIG. 2, respectivebrackets 40 projecting from the reel glass base 31 vertically arefastened to a back surface of the front panel 20 by screws 41.

Further, as a light source of the liquid crystal panel 33, a pair ofcathode ray tubes 42 are arranged on top and bottom ends of the lightguide plate 36. Additionally, on the backside of the opening 38A of therear holder 38, another pair of cathode ray tubes 43 are arranged up anddown to illuminate symbols formed on an outer circumferential surface ofthe reel 220.

The liquid crystal panel 33 is made of a transmissive electrical displaypanel, such as ITO, which is positioned in front of the reel 220 to makeit visible therethrough. In the liquid crystal panel 33, its periphery(backside) is held by the liquid crystal holder 34. The light guideplate 36 is made of an optically transparent resin panel. Again, thelight guide plate 36 is provided with leas cuts that conduct lightemitted from the cathode ray tubes 42 into the backside of the liquidcrystal panel 33. The diffusion sheet 35 is made of a resin sheet. Thediffusion sheet 35 diffuses the light conducted by the light guide plate36 to uniformize light to be illuminated on the liquid crystal panel 33.The liquid crystal holder 34 for holding the liquid crystal panel 33,the diffusion sheet 35 and the light guide plate 36 are all integratedinto one assembly and its periphery is inserted into the bezel metalframe 32. Owing to this insertion, the front side of the display windowin the liquid crystal panel 33 is carried by the bezel metal frame 32.

The liquid crystal holder 34, the diffusion sheet 35 and the light guideplate 36, which are integrated as a result of engaging with the bezelmetal frame 32, are further inserted, through its periphery, into thereel glass base 31. Thus, this assembly is carried by the bezel metalframe 32 while opening a front surface of the liquid crystal panel 33.When the reel glass base 31 is attached to the font panel 20 through thescrews 41, the clear panel 30 is fitted to the front surface of the reelglass base 31 under pressure and overlaid on the front surface of thedisplay portion of the liquid crystal panel 33.

The rear holder 38 is made of a white resin sheet and serves to supportthe bezel metal frame 32 held by the reel glass base 31, the liquidcrystal holder 34 holding the liquid crystal panel 33, the diffusionsheet 35 and the light guide plate 36 onto the reel glass base 31 fromits rear side. This rear holder 38 functions as a reflector thatreflects the light emitted from the cathode ray tubes 42 into the lightguide plate 36 toward the liquid crystal panel 33. The antistatic sheet39 is made of a transparent sheet and applied to a rear surface of thehear holder 38 through double-sided adhesive tapes to cover a rear spiceof the opening 38A formed in the rear holder 38.

As shown in FIG. 7, the reel 220 is provided, on its outercircumferential surface, with a variety of symbols used in a game. FIG.7 shows a column of symbols that are variably displayed while scrollingon the respective display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C in thelower liquid crystal display 4 in a game.

Here, a symbol column 241 is composed of eleven symbols as a result ofcombining a triple-BAR 91, a cherry 92, a double-BAR 93, a seven (7) 94,a single-BAR 95 and a blank (i.e. an area with no symbol) 96 with eachother appropriately.

As for the formation of symbols on the circumferential surface of thereel 220, it is general to first prepare a long sheet having elevensymbols printed thereon and respective dimensions equal to both widthand circumferential length of the reel 220 and successively apply thesheet to the circumferential surface of the reel 220. Of course,however, these symbols may be formed by the other method.

Referring to FIG. 5, a control system of the slot machine 1 will bedescribed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control system of theslot machine 1 typically.

In FIG. 5, the control system of the slot machine 1 basically includes aCPU 50 playing a central role in the slot machine 1. Both a ROM 51 and aRAM 52 are together connected to the CPU 50. In the ROM 51, there arestored a main process program a start acceptance program, a lotteryprocess program, a game process program, a lottery table for determiningsymbols on a stop display in a game, various programs necessary for thecontrol of the slot machine 1, a data table and so on. The RAM 52 is amemory to temporarily store various data calculated by the CPU 50.

A clockpulse generating circuit 53 generating reference clockpulses anda divider 54 are connected to the CPU 50 in common. Further, arandom-number generator 55 generating a random number and arandom-number sampling circuit 56 are together connected to the CPU 50.Random numbers sampled by the random-number sampling circuit 56 are usedin a variety of lotteries, for example, lottery for winningcombinations. To the CPU 50, there are further connected a spin switch58 accompanied by the spin button 12, an 1-BET switch 59 accompanied bythe 1-BET button 11, a 3-BET switch 60 accompanied by the 3-BET button13, a 5-BET switch 61 accompanied by the 5-BET button 14, an exchange(CHANGE) switch 62 accompanied by the exchange button 6, a payout(CASHOUT) switch 63 accompanied by the payout button 7 and a help (HELP)switch 64 accompanied by the help button 8, respectively. Based onswitch signals outputted from these switches pushed down, the CPU 50performs a variety of controls in order to accomplish various operationscorresponding to the above buttons.

Connected to the CPU 50 is a stepping motor 68 that rotates the reel 220with the aid of a motor driving circuit 167. Additionally, a positionalchange detecting circuit 69 is also connected to the CPU 50. When amotor driving signal (command pulse) is outputted from the CPU 50 to themotor driving circuit 167, the stepping motor 68 is rotated byexcitation signals outputted from the motor driving circuit 167. In thisway, the rotation of the reel 220 is accomplished.

Then, the CPU 50 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to thestepping motor 68. The CPU 50 grasps rotational positions of the symbolsin the reel 220 on the basis of the obtained number of drive pulses andcarries out a stop-position control of the reel 220.

As noted above, the positional change detecting circuit 69 is connectedto the CPU 50. This positional change detecting circuit 69 detects analternation of the stop position of the reel 220 after it has beenstopped by the motor driving circuit 167.

A coin sensor 65 is arranged in the coin insertion slot 9 to detect acoin inserted through the coin insertion slot 9. The coin sensor 65 isconnected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates the number of coinsinserted on the basis of a coin detection signal outputted from the coinsensor 65. A bill sensor 66 is arranged in the bill insertion opening 10to detect both kind and sum of bills inserted through the opening 10.The bill sensor 66 is connected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates thenumber of coins equivalent to the value of bills inserted on the basisof a bill detection signal outputted from the bill sensor 66.

A hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50 through a hopper driving circuit70. When the CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the hopper driving circuit70, the hopper 71 pays out a designated number of coins from the coinpayout opening 15.

A coin detecting portion 73 is connected to the CPU 50 through a payoutcompletion signal circuit 72. The coin detecting portion 73 is arrangedin the coin payout opening 15. When it is detected that the designatednumber of coins have been paid out of the coin payout opening 15, thecoin detecting portion 73 outputs a coin payout detection signal to thepayout completion signal circuit 72. Based on the coin payout detectionsignal, the payout completion signal circuit 72 outputs a payoutcompletion signal to the CPU 50. Fewer, the upper liquid crystal display3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4 are connected to the CPU 50through a liquid crystal driving circuit 74. The CPU 50 controls theoperations of the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquidcrystal display 4.

As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal driving circuit 74 comprises aprogram ROM 81, an image ROM 82, an image control CPU 83, a work RAM 84,a VDP (Video Display Processor) 85 and a video RAM 86. The program ROM81 stores image control programs about the displaying operation of theupper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4and various selection tables. The image ROM 82 stores dot data forforming various images, for example, demonstration effects performed onthe upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display4, various help information displayed on the upper liquid crystaldisplay 3, the symbol column 241 of FIG. 7 displayed on each of thedisplay windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C (see FIG. 20) of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 and so on. Based on parameters set by the CPU50, in accordance with the image control programs memorized in theprogram ROM 81 in advance, the image control CPU 83 determines images tobe displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquidcrystal display 4 from the dot data memorized in the program ROM 81 inadvance. Again, the work RAM 84 operates as temporary memory means whenthe image control CPU 83 executes the image control programs. The VDP 85produces image data corresponding to display contents determined by theimage control CPU 83 and outputs the so-produced image data to the upperliquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4.Consequently, symbols (e.g. the symbol column 241 of FIG. 7) arevariably and statically displayed on each of the display windows22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C (see FIG. 20) of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4. Note that the video RAM 86 operates as temporary memory meanswhen the VDP 85 forms an image.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, owing to the provision of theliquid crystal driving circuit 74, it is possible to bring the displaywindow 23A (see FIG. 20) of the lower liquid crystal display 4 intoeither a transmissive condition or a displaying condition. Therefore,the display window 23A corresponds to “a first display window” of theclaimed invention. Further, the liquid crystal driving circuit 74constitutes the transmission controlling unit of the claimed invention.Suppose, the display window 23A (see FIG. 20) is in the transmissivecondition in the game. Then, the motor driving circuit 167 etc. operasto rotate and subsequently stop the reel 220 behind the display window23A. As a result, the symbol column 241 (see FIG. 7) on the reel 220 canbe seen through the display window 23A in the transmissive condition.Subsequently, the scrolling of the symbol column 241 is stopped (i.e.static display). Suppose alternatively, the display window 23A (see FIG.20) is in the displaying condition in the game. Then, due to the liquidcrystal circuit 74, the symbol column 241 (see FIG. 7) on the reel 220is variably displayed (with the symbols scrolling) on the display window23A in the displaying condition (i.e. variable display by scrolling).Subsequently, the scrolling of the symbol column 241 is stopped (i.e.static display). Additionally, by the liquid crystal circuit 74, animage (i.e. video symbols) of the symbol column 241 is variablydisplayed (with the symbols scrolling) on each of the other displaywindows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C (see FIG. 20, i.e. variabledisplay by scrolling). Subsequently, the scrolling of the symbol column241 is stopped (i.e. static display). Note that the above displaywindows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C corresponds to “second displaywindows” of the claimed invention.

It is noted that when the symbol column 241 is variably displayed andthen statically displayed, a single symbol in the symbol column 241 isstatically displayed on each of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and24A˜24C irrespective of the display window 23A in the transmissive ordisplaying condition. Further, it should be noted that the slot machine1 of this embodiment is similar to the conventional slot machine in thatthere are previously established various winning combinations based onseveral kinds of combinations composed of respective symbols and in thatif a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination stopson one activated pay-line, then coins corresponding to the winningcombination are paid out through the coin payout opening 15. Therefore,descriptions about these matter are eliminated.

Returning to FIG. 5, an LED 78 is connected to the CPU 50 through an LEDdriving circuit 77. The LED 78 (in large quantity) is arranged on thefront surface of the slot machine 1. When performing a variety ofeffects, the lighting of the LED 78 is controlled by the LED drivingchit 77 on the basis of a driving signal from the CPU 50. Additionally,a sound generating circuit 79 and a speaks 80 are connected to the CPU50. Based on an output signal from the sound generating circuit 79, thespeaker 80 can generate various effecting sounds in performing variouseffects.

Referring to FIG. 8, we now describe a lottery table that is used indetermining stop symbols to be statically displayed on the displaywindows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C in case of playing a game with theuse of nine display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C in the slotmachine 1. FIG. 8 is a view showing the lottery table in determining thestop symbols in the game using nine display windows. Note that thelottery table of FIG. 8 is stored in the ROM 51.

In this regard, the symbols statically displayed on the display windows22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C are determined with respect to each displaywindow. For this purpose, the lottery table as shown in FIG. 8 isprepared while allocating respective code numbers “0”˜“10” to the symbolcolumn 241 of FIG. 8 in order from above. Next, nine random numbers aresampled so as to respectively correspond to the display windows 22A˜22C,23A˜23C and 24A-24C through the random-number sampling circuit 56.

As for the symbol column 241 to be displayed on the display window 23A,if the sampled random number sampled by the random-number samplingcircuit 56 is in the range of 0˜12 the blank 96 allot to the code number“0” is statically displayed on the display window 23A, as shown in thelottery table of FIG. 8. Hereinafter, as for the other code numbers“1”˜“10”, the similar operation is carried out based on the lotterytable of FIG. 8.

As for the symbol column 241 to be displayed an each of the displaywindows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A 24C, the operation for static displayis similar to that of the above-mentioned display window 23A.

Referring to FIG. 9, we now describe respective winning combinations andtheir payouts in the game using nine display windows 22A 22C, 23A˜23Cand 24A˜24C in the slot machine 1. FIG. 9 explains the winningcombinations and their payouts in the above case. Note that a tableshown in FIG. 9 is stored in the ROM 51.

In common with nine display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C, if thecode numbers allocated to three display windows on at least one of therespective activated pay-lines L are all either “4” or “9” (see FIG. 9),then a player wins a winning combination of “7-7-7” about the relevantactivated pay-line L. In this case, the seven symbol 94 is staticallydisplayed on each of the three display windows on the activatedpay-line, so that the player gets a payout of “100”. Similarly, as foreach payout of “5”, “3”, “2” and “1” of FIG. 9, the similar operation ofboth static display and sequent payout is performed in accordance withthe table of FIG. 9.

In connection, if the code numbers allocated to three display windows onat least one of the respective activated pay-lines L constitute theother combinations except the above combinations (i.e. combinationscorresponding to respective payouts of “100”, “5”, “3”, “2”, “1”), thenthe player loses the game. In this case, each of the three displaywindows on the activated pay-line L has any of the triple-BAR 91, thecherry 92, the double-BAR 93, the seven 94, the single-BAR 95 and theblank 96 that correspond to the respective code numbers, on staticdisplay. However, it will be understood from FIG. 9 tai such a chaoticcombination of these symbols would produce no payout.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 15, we next explain a table that is used indetermining whether the display window 23A is brought into thetransmissive condition or the displaying condition in the game usingnine display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C in the slot machine 1.

According to the embodiment, this determination about whether thedisplay window 23A should be brought into the transmissive condition ornot is accomplished by selecting one of two patterns where the displaywindow 23A becomes a transmissive condition or a displaying conditionwith using both respective tables for the winning combinations (seeFIGS. 10 to 15) and a random number sampled in the range of 0˜7 by therandom number sampling circuit 56 and.

In advance of descriptions about the tables of FIGS. 10 to 15, we firstexplain the above-mentioned two patterns where the display window 23A isbrought into a transmissive condition or a displaying condition. Asshown in FIG. 1, there are a first pattern A and a second pattern B. Inthe former pattern A, the display window 23A is brought into thetransmissive condition, allowing the circumferential surface of the reel220 to be visible through the display window 23A. In the latter patternB, the display window 23A is brought into the displaying condition,allowing the circumferential surface of the reel 220 to be invisiblethrough the display window 23A. Note that, for convenience ofexplanation (to clarify the presence of the reel 220), FIG. 1illustrates upper and lower profile lines of the circumferential surfaceof the reel 220, which are together included in the display window 23A.In fact, however, the upper and lower profile lines of thecircumferential surface of the reel 220 are invisible through thedisplay window 23A.

We start describing the tables of FIGS. 10 to 15 again. FIG. 10 is aview showing the table that is used in determining whether one displaywindow should be brought into the transmissive condition or thedisplaying condition if winning the combination of “7-7-7” in the gameusing nine display windows. Note that the table of FIG. 10 is stored inthe ROM 51.

Thus, with the use of the table of FIG. 10 in case of winning thewinning combination of “7-7-7”, if the random number sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 is in the range of 0-6, then thepattern A is selected. Therefore, with the probability of 7/8, it isdetermined to make the display window 23A transmissive. Similarly, thedetermination of the pattern B is performed in accordance with the tableof FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into the transmissive condition orthe displaying condition if winning the winning combination of“3BAR-3BAR-3BAR” in the game using nine display windows. Note that thetable of FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM 51 as well.

Thus, with the use of the table of FIG. 11 in case of winning thewinning combination of “3BAR-3BAR-3BAR”, if the random number sampledthrough the random number sampling circuit 56 is in the range of 0˜3,then the pattern A is selected. Therefore, with the probability of 4/8,it is determined to make the display window 23A transmissive. Similarly,the determination of the pattern B is performed in accordance with thetable of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a view showing the table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into the transmissive condition orthe displaying condition if winning the winning combination of“2BAR-2BAR-2BAR” in the game using nine display windows. Note that thetable of FIG. 12 is stored in the ROM 51 as well.

Thus, with the use of the table of FIG. 12 in case of winning thewinning combination of “2BAR-2BAR-2BAR”, if the random number sampledthrough the random number sampling circuit 56 is in the range of 0-2,then the pattern A is selected. Therefore, with the probability of 3/8,it is determined to make the display window 23A transmissive. Similarly,the determination of the pattern B is performed in accordance with thetable of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into the transmissive condition orthe displaying condition if winning the winning combination of“BAR-BAR-BAR” in the game using nine display windows. Note that thetable of FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 51 as well.

Thus, with the use of the table of FIG. 13 in case of winning thewinning combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR”, if the random number sampledthrough the random number sampling circuit 56 is in the range of 0˜1,then the pattern A is selected. Therefore, with the probability of 2/8,it is determined to make the display window 23A transmissive. Similarly,the determination of the pattern B is performed in accordance with thetable of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into the transmissive condition orthe displaying condition if wining the winning combination of“cherry-cherry-cherry” in the game using nine display windows. Note thatthe table of FIG. 14 is stored in the ROM 51 as well.

Thus, with the use of the table of FIG. 14 in case of winning thewinning combination of “cherry-cherry-cherry”, if the random numbersampled through the random number sampling circuit 56 is equal to 0,then the pattern A is selected. Therefore, with the probability of 1/8,it is determined to make the display window 23A transmissive. Similarly,the determination of the pattern B is performed in accordance with thetable of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a view showing the table that is used in determining whetherone display window should be brought into the transmissive condition orthe displaying condition if getting in the combination of “lose” in thegame using nine display windows. Note that the table of FIG. 15 is so inthe ROM 51 as well.

Thus, with the use of the table of FIG. 15 in case of getting in thecombination of “lose”, if the random number sampled through the randomnumber sampling Circuit 56 is in the range of 0˜7, then the pattern B isselected. Therefore, with the probability of 8/8, it is determined tobring the display window 23A into a displaying condition. Note thatthere is no possibility of selecting the pattern A where it isdetermined to make the display window 23A transmissive, irrespective ofthe random numbers sampled here.

As the slot machine 1 of this embodiment allows a player to play a gamewith a plurality of activated pay-lines, there is a possibility that aplurality of combinations are established as a result of the winningcombinations appearing on two or more activated pay-lines L. Therefore,according to the embodiment, priority among these winning combinationsof “7-7-7”, “3BAR-3BAR-3BAR”, “2BAR-2BAR-2BAR”, “BAR-BAR-BAR”,“cherry-cherry-cherry” and “lose” is established in this descriptiveorder. Owing to the so-established priority, it is determined to bringthe display window 23A into either the transmissive condition or thedisplaying condition with the use of the priority table.

We now describe a main process (i.e. main routine) executed by the slotmachine 1 with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaininga program for the main process. First, at step S11, a later-mentionedstart acceptance process (see FIG. 17) is carried out. This process isperformed by accepting the switch signal outputted from any of the spinswitch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 and the 5-BET switch61 on the basis of a player's manipulation of the spin (SPIN/REPEAT BET)button 12, the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button 13 or the 5-BET button14. Note that when this process is started, the display window 23A isbrought into the displaying condition. Further, the game is started atthe point of accepting the switch signal.

At step S12, a later-mentioned lottery process of FIG. 18 is performedon the basis of the switch signal outputted from any of the spin switch58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 and the 5-BET switch 61.

At next step S13, a later-mentioned gaming process is performed andsubsequently, this main process program is ended.

Referring to FIG. 17, the start acceptance process (i.e. onesub-routine) performed by the slot machine 1 will be described below.FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining a program for the startacceptance process. At step S21, it is executed to determine whether apredetermined time (e.g. 15 seconds) has passed since the start of themain process of FIG. 16. If the predetermined time has not passed yet(“No” at step S21), then a routine goes to t S23 without executing anyaction. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has already passed(“Yes” at step S21), then the routine goes to step S22 where demons onsof the game are performed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and thelower liquid crystal display 4. In succession, at next stop S23, it isexecuted to determine whether any of the spin (SPIN/REPEAT BET) button12, the 1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button 13 and the 5-BET button 14 hasbeen operated by a player. Here, if it is determined that the 1-BETbutton 11 or the like has not been operated yet (“No” at step S23), thenthe routine returns to stop S21 and thereafter, the above-mentionedprocesses are repeated. On the other hand, if the determination at stepS23 is Yes, then it is executed to stop the above demonstrations anddisplay predetermined activated pay-lines L corresponding to the numberof bets on the lower liquid crystal display 4. Thereafter, the routinereturns to the main process program (main routine) of FIG. 16 and thelottery process at step S12 is started.

Referring to FIG. 18, the lottery process performed by the slot machine1 will be described below. FIG. 18 is a flow chart explaining a programfor the lottery process. At step S31, it is first executed to determinethe symbols to be displayed on the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and24A˜24C. Here, in the game (i.e. later-mentioned step S42 of FIG. 19),the symbols for the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C onstatic display are determined with respect to each display window. Indetail, as mentioned before, nine random numbers corresponding to thedisplay windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C are sampled in the range of0˜127 through the random number sampling circuit 56 and successively,the symbols on static display are respectively determined through thecode numbers on the ground of the lottery table of FIG. 8. Next, on thedetermination of the symbols to be statically displayed on the displaywindows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C, it is executed to determine theresulting combination at step S32. In this determination process, indetail, the winning combination on the activated pay-line L and theirpayout are determined through the code numbers at step S31, on the basisof the table of FIG. 9.

At next step S33, a reel-mode de nation process is performed. In thisreel-mode determination process, as mentioned before, it is executed toselect either one of two pattern where the display window 23A becomes atransmissive condition or a displaying condition by both the tables ofFIGS. 10 to 15 and the random number sampled in the range of 0˜7 by therandom number sampling circuit 56. Suppose, it is determined at step S32that a player got in the winning combination of “7-7-7” about theactivated pay-line L. Further, if the random number “5” is sampled atstep S33, the pattern A is selected with the use of the table of FIG.10, so that it is determined to make the display window 23 transmissive.

Subsequently, the routine returns to the main process of FIG. 16 and thegame process at step S13 is performed.

Referring to FIG. 19, the game process performed by the slot machine 1will be described below. FIG. 19 is a flow char explaining a program forthe game process. For the main process at step S13 of FIG. 16, it isexecuted at step S41 to perform a rotating process. In the rotatingprocess, for instance, if it is determined at step S33 (FIG. 18) toestablish the transmissive condition, then it is executed to change thedisplay window 23A from the display condition to the transmissivecondition and additionally, the reel 220 behind the display window 23Ais rotated in response to the switch signal outputted from the spinswitch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 or the 5-BET switch61 and also accepted at step 51 (FIG. 16). To the cony, if it isdetermined at step S33 (FIG. 18) to bring the display window 23A into adisplaying condition, then the present displaying condition ismaintained and additionally, it is executed to allow the symbol column241 to scroll in each of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and24A˜24C.

Consequently, when the pattern A is selected at step S33 in FIG. 18, thesymbol column 241 formed on the reel 220 becomes visible through thetransmissive display window 23A. Simultaneously, the symbol column 241is also variably displayed on each of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23B,23C and 24A˜24C while the symbols are scrolling. While, in case ofselecting the pattern B at step S33 in FIG. 18, the images of the symbolcolons 241 (scrolling video symbols) are variably displayed on thedisplay window 23A and also the display windows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and24A˜24C. In this way, the respective symbols are displayed variably.

In connection with the process at step S41, alternatively, it may becarried out to rotate the reel 220 behind the display window 23Airrespective of the determination of the transmissive/displayingcondition at step S33 of FIG. 18.

Returning to FIG. 19, the routine goes to step S42. At step S42, astopping control process is performed. For instance, if the pattern A isselected at step S33 in FIG. 18, it is first executed to stop thevariable display of the symbol column 241 on each of the display windows22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C except the display window 23A in thetransmissive condition. Subsequently, in the display window 23A in themissive condition, the rotation of the reel 220 behind the displaywindow 23A is stopped. That is, the symbol column 241 formed on the reel220 stops its rotation. While, if the pattern B is selected at step S33in FIG. 18, it is executed to first stop the variable display of thesymbol column 241 on each of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and24A˜24C except the display window 23A in the displaying condition. Then,the variable display of the image of the symbol column 241 is stopped inthe display window 23A in the displaying condition. In the above way,the symbols for all of the display windows are displayed statically.

In connection with the process at step S42, if the rotation of the reel220 behind the display window 23A is started irrespective of thetransmissive/displaying condition at step S33 in FIG. 18, the rotationof the reel 220 is stopped at step S42 even if it has been determined tobring the display window 23A into a displaying condition at step S33 inFIG. 18.

At next step S43, in accordance with a combination of symbols formingthe winning combination on the activated pay-line L, which has beenstatically displayed on the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24Cat step S42, it is executed to pay coins etc. corresponding to thepreset payout. Note that if same winning combinations are realized on aplurality of activated pay-lines L, respective payouts corresponding tothe winning combinations will be added together. After executing thepayout operation at step S43, the main process of FIG. 16 is completed.Thereafter, a new main process of FIG. 16 (i.e. a new main routine) isstarted.

From the above, it will be understood that the CPU 50 operates as “areel controlling unit” of the claimed invention when executing theprocesses at steps S41 and S42 in FIG. 19.

Similarly, the CPU 50 further operates as “a display controlling unit”of the claimed invention when executing the processes at steps S41 andS42 in FIG. 19.

Further, the CPU 50 operates as “a determining unit” of the claimedinvention when executing the process at step S33 of FIG. 18.

Still further, the CPU 50 operates as “a game controlling unit” of theclaimed invention when executing the process at step S43 of FIG. 19.

That is, when starting a game in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment,the display window 23A is in the displaying condition at first. Aftersting the game, in the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C, thesymbols are displayed variably and statically in accordance with acombination of the winning combination by a lottery with the randomnumber by sampling (see the tables of FIGS. 10 to 15) and in two patterA and B where the display window 23A is in the transmissive/displayingcondition.

As the display window 23A becomes transmissive in the pattern A, theimages of the symbol column 241 are variably and statically displayed oneach of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C (except thedisplay window 23A). While, in the display window 23A, thevariable/static display of the symbols is performed by the reel 220having the symbol column 220 that is visible through the display window23A in the transmissive condition. Thus, in other words, thevariable/static display of symbols by so-called “video reels” isperformed in the display windows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C, whilethe variable/static display of symbols by so-called “mechanical reel” isperformed in the display window 23A.

In the pattern B, due to the display window 23A in the displayingcondition, the variable display/static display of images of the symbolcolumn 241 is carried out in all of the display windows 22A˜24C(including the display window 23A). Thus, in the pattern B, thevariable/static display of symbols by so-called “video reels” isperformed in all of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as noted above, the symbolcolumn 241 formed on the reel 220 is variably and statically displayedthrough the missive display window 23A (at steps S41 and S42), or theimages of the symbol column 241 are displayed on the display window 23A,and the images of the symbol column 241 are displayed on the otherdisplay windows 22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C (at steps S41 and S42).From the above-mentioned reason, it should be noted that the slotmachine 1 of this embodiment employs both the video reels and themechanical reel in a superposed manner.

As mentioned above, according to the embodiment, thetransmissive/displaying condition of the display window 23A isdetermined by selecting either the pattern A or the pattern B with theuse of the tables of FIGS. 10 to 15 for the winning combinations and thepled random number (step S33). In his way, the slot machine 1 of theembodiment is constructed so as to effectively exhibit a variety ofsymbol combinations including the symbols on the reel 220 produced bybring the display window 23A into the transmissive condition inaccordance with the above determination, or the symbol image staticallydisplayed on the display window 23A in the displaying condition, and thesymbol images statically displayed on the other display windows 22A˜22C,23B, 23C and 24A˜24C (steps S41 and S42).

As for the tables of FIGS. 10 to 15, it should be noted that theprobability of selecting the pattern A (or the pattern B) is establishedwith respect to each of the win combinations of different payouts. Thus,depending on whether the display window 23A of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 is in the transmissive condition or not, it is possible toenhance a player's sense of anticipation for a payout. For instance, asfor the probability of selecting the pattern A where the display window23A changes from the displaying condition to the transmissive condition,it becomes the largest in the winning combination of “7-7-7” providingthe largest payout, as understood from FIGS. 9 to 15. Accordingly, if aplayer witnesses that display window 23A has changed from the displayingcondition to the transmissive condition, then the player would expectthe coming of the combination of “7-7-7” providing the largest payout.

In the pattern A where the display window 23A is changed from thedisplaying condition to the transmissive condition, as shown in FIG. 1,the rotation of the reel 220 is stopped and the symbol formed thereonappears through the transmissive display window 23A statically after theimages of symbols have been statically displayed on the display windows22A˜22C, 23B, 23C and 24A˜24C. That is, the static display at thedisplay window 23A is carried out in the latest. Therefore, if the slotmachine 1 is in a so-called “reach” condition where one part (i.e. thedisplay window 23A) still remains scrolling, then it is possible toenhance a player's sense of anticipation for winning in the highestdegree because there is a case that the winning combination isdetermined with the above-mentioned latest static display, on any ofthree activated pay-lines L passing through the display window 23A.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodimentonly and therefore, various changes and modifications may be made withinthe scope of the invention.

For instance, in the slot machine 1 of the shown embodiment, it isexecuted to determine whether the display window 23A only should bechanged from the displaying condition to the transmissive condition(step S33 of FIG. 18). In this regard, the changing of the displaywindow 23A from the displaying condition to the transmissive conditionmay be determined by an arithmetic expression. Additionally, for one (ormore) of the display windows 22A˜22C, 23B˜23C and 24A˜24C, it may bemodified so that the reel 220 is arranged behind the so-selected displaywindow(s). In this case, of course, the display window(s) is modified soas to be changeable from its displaying condition to the transmissivecondition. Then, this display window(s) is subjected to the processes atsteps S41 and S42 of FIG. 19.

In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, when starting the startacceptance process of FIG. 17, the display window 23A is brought intoits displaying condition. In this regard, the transmissive conditionestablished in the previous game may be maintained until before step S41of the game process (FIG. 19) in the present game.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when it is determined to make thedisplay window 23A transmissive at step S33 (FIG. 18), it is changedfrom the displaying condition to the transmissive condition in therotating process at step S41 (FIG. 19). In the modification, it may becarried out to change the display window 23A from the displayingcondition to the transmissive condition just before stopping a rotationof the reel 220 in the stopping control process at step S42 (FIG. 19).In this case, however, the image of the symbol column 241 is variablydisplayed (with the symbols scrolling) on the display window 23A untiljust before making it transmissive.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot machine 1 is constructed soas to perform a base game only. However, the slot machine may bemodified so as to perform a “free game” after executing a base game, forexample, immediately after step S13 in FIG. 16. Note that the fee gameis generally formed by a game in favor of a player. For instance, ifshifting to a free game on condition of specified symbols on staticdisplay, then a player can continue to play a plurality of games (e.g.10 games, 20 games, 30 games) corresponding to the ranking of the freegame without betting coins or the likes. In the free game, it is generalthat a variety of winning combinations are established with high winingprobabilities. Therefore, if once a player has a right to play a freegame, it is highly possible for the player to acquire a large number ofcoins or the likes.

Although the slot machine 1 is provided with nine display windows22A˜22C, 23A˜23C and 24A˜24C in the above-mentioned embodiment, thepresent invention is not limited to this embodiment only. For example,the slot machine may be provided with five display windows or threedisplay windows, alternatively.

As noted above, the foregoing descriptions are related to one embodimentof the invention. However, the invention is not limited to this andtherefore, various changes and modifications may be made within thescope of claims.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display unit having at least one firstdisplay window and a plurality of second display windows, the firstdisplay window capable of being transmissive, the first and the seconddisplay windows capable of displaying respective video symbols thereonvariably and statically; at least one reel arranged behind the firstdisplay window, the reel having a plurality of symbols formed on acircumference of the reel; and a processor in communication with thedisplay unit and the reel, the processor operable to: (a) select aplurality of symbols to be displayed as a gaming result by a lottery;(b) determine whether or not to change the first window from thedisplaying condition to the transmissive condition based on acombination of the selected symbols; (c) display the gaming result byvariably and statically displaying on the first display window and thesecond display windows, if the first display window is in a displayingcondition; (d) display the gaming result by variably and staticallydisplaying on the second display while rotating and stopping the reelthat can be seen through the first display window, if the first displaywindow is in a transmissive condition; and (e) provide an award when thegaming result corresponds to a predetermined gaming result.
 2. Thegaming machine of claim 1, wherein the processor is operable to stop thereel from rotating after displaying the video symbols statically on thesecond display.
 3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein thecombination of the symbols for determining to change the first windowfrom the displaying condition to the transmissive condition, includes acombination of the symbols for providing a highest award.
 4. The gamingmachine of claim 3, wherein the combination of the symbols for providingthe highest award, has a probability of determining to change the firstwindow from the displaying condition to the transmissive condition,higher than any other combinations of the symbols.
 5. A gaming machinecomprising: a display unit having at least one first display window anda plurality of second display windows, the fit display window capable ofbeing transmissive, the first and the second display windows capable ofdisplaying respective video symbols thereon variably and statically; atleast one reel arranged behind the first display window, the reel havinga plurality of symbols formed on a circumference of the reel; and aprocessor in communication with the display unit and the reel, theprocessor operable to: (a) select a plurality of symbols to be displayedas a gaming result by a lottery; (b) determine whether or not to changethe first window from the displaying condition to the transmissivecondition, based on a probability associated with a combination of theselected symbols; (c) display the gaming result by variably andstatically displaying on the first display window and the second displaywindows, if the first display window is in a displaying condition; (d)display the gaming result by variably and statically displaying on thesecond display while rotating and stopping the reel that can be seenthrough the first display window, if the first display window is in atransmissive condition; and (e) provide an award when the gaming resultcorresponds to a predetermined gaming result.
 6. A gaming method for agaming machine including a display unit having at least one firstdisplay window and a plurality of second display windows wherein thefirst display window is capable of being transmissive and the firstdisplay window and the second display windows are capable of displayingrespective video symbols thereon variably and statically, and at leastone reel arranged behind the first display window wherein the reel has aplurality of symbols formed on a circumference of the reel, the gamingmethod comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols to be displayed as agaming result by a lottery; determining whether or not to change thefirst window from the displaying condition to the transmissive conditionbased on a combination of the selected symbols; displaying the gamingresult by variably and statically displaying on the first display windowand the second display windows, if the first display window is in adisplaying condition; displaying the gaming result by variably andstatically displaying on the second display while rotating and stoppingthe reel that can be seen through the first display window, if the firstdisplay window is in a transmissive condition; and providing an awardwhen the gaming result corresponds to a predetermined gaming result. 7.The gaming method of claim 6, wherein the reel stops rotating after thevideo symbols am displayed statically on the second display.
 8. Thegaming method of claim 6, wherein the combination of the symbols fordetermining to bring the first display window into the transmissivecondition includes a combination of the symbols for providing a highestaward.
 9. The gaming method of claim 8, wherein the combination of thesymbols for providing the highest award has a highest probability ofdetermining to bring the first display window into the transmissivecondition.